Top 10 braided stainless steel flexible supply lines Supplier | 2025 Guide

In any industrial, commercial, or residential plumbing system, the final connection points are often the most vulnerable. A failure at this last foot of connection can lead to serious water damage, expensive downtime, and major safety problems. For decades, the industry standard for reducing this risk has been braided stainless steel flexible supply lines.

These parts represent a major improvement from older, rigid copper or weak plastic tubing. They provide the needed flexibility for installations in tight spaces while offering strong protection against bursting, kinking, and rust. Choosing the right supply line is more than a simple buying task.

It's an investment in the strength and long life of your entire plumbing system. For facility managers, project engineers, and buying specialists, selecting a supplier means navigating a complex landscape of technical specs, material types, and quality certifications. This guide provides a complete overview of how to select the ideal flexible supply lines for your application.

It also offers a detailed analysis of the top suppliers in the market, helping you make an informed decision that ensures safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

How to Choose the Right Braided Stainless Steel Flexible Supply Lines

Selecting the best braided stainless steel supply line requires looking beyond the shelf price. A high-quality line is a system of parts working together. Understanding these parts is the first step toward ensuring a secure, leak-free connection that lasts for its intended service life.

Core Construction: More Than Just a Braid

The heart of a flexible supply line is its inner tube, which is the part that actually contains the water. The outer stainless steel braid provides important protection against kinking, scraping, and bursting under pressure. Both elements must be checked.

• Inner Tube Material: The inner core is typically made from high-quality materials designed for long life and safety. Common options include reinforced PVC, as noted in products from brands like ProLine Series, or EPDM rubber. PVC offers excellent flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while EPDM provides better resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, making it suitable for more demanding industrial uses. Always check that the core material is certified for drinking water (like NSF/ANSI 14) if used for drinking water systems.

• Outer Braid Quality: The "stainless steel" in the name refers to this protective outer layer. Typically made from Grade 304 stainless steel, the braid's job is to prevent the inner tube from expanding or bursting under pressure. A tightly woven, high-coverage braid provides the best protection against physical damage and ensures the line remains kink-resistant during and after installation. Some specialty lines, like those from Falcon, may use a corrugated metal tube instead of a polymer one, offering even greater strength in high-vibration environments.

Key Technical Specifications to Scrutinize

Your application's specific demands should guide your selection. Always verify these technical details with the manufacturer's data sheets to ensure compatibility and safety. A mismatch in specs is a leading cause of early failure.

Specification	Description	Common Values & Considerations
Connection Type & Size	The fittings on each end of the line must match the shut-off valve (stop) and the appliance/fixture.	Common types include Compression (Comp), Female Iron Pipe (FIP), and Male Iron Pipe (MIP). Sizes like 3/8" Comp x 1/2" FIP are standard for faucets, while 7/8" Ballcock connections are used for toilets.
Length	The line must be long enough to create a gentle loop without sharp bends or being pulled tight.	Standard lengths range from 12 inches to 72 inches. Measure the distance and add a few inches to allow for slack; a line that is too short is under constant stress.
Pressure Rating	The maximum internal pressure the hose can safely withstand.	Most residential lines are rated for around 125 psi. Industrial applications may require significantly higher ratings. Always select a line with a maximum pressure rating well above your system's operating pressure.
Temperature Rating	The maximum water temperature the line can handle continuously.	Ensure the line is rated for hot water if it will be used for that purpose. Using a cold-water-only line on a hot water supply will cause rapid breakdown of the inner tube.
Certifications	Third-party validation of quality, safety, and performance.	Look for ASME A112.18.6/CSA B125.6 (the standard for plumbing supply fittings) and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (for drinking water system components). These certifications ensure the product is safe and has been properly tested.

Application-Specific Considerations

Not all braided lines are created equal. The intended use determines the ideal choice.
* Faucets & Toilets: These are the most common uses. Standard lines from brands like Oatey or Eastman are typically enough.
* Dishwashers & Ice Makers: These often require longer lines (e.g., 60" or 72") and may be subject to more vibration. A high-quality, kink-resistant line is essential.
* Pumps & Industrial Machinery: These high-vibration environments can cause standard braided lines to fail. Corrugated stainless steel connectors, like those from RectorSeal's Falcon brand, are specifically designed to withstand this type of stress.

Top 10 Braided Stainless Steel Flexible Supply Line Suppliers for 2025

Navigating the supplier landscape can be challenging. This list includes a diverse mix of global leaders, mid-sized specialists, and innovative brands to help you find the perfect partner for your needs, whether you are outfitting a new facility or managing MRO purchasing.

Oatey

• Company Overview: Oatey is a cornerstone of the American plumbing industry. With over a century of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for making reliable, high-quality plumbing products. Their braided supply lines are a staple for professional plumbers and are widely available through plumbing supply houses and major retailers.

• Strengths: Oatey's primary strength is its brand recognition and trust, built over decades of consistent performance. Their products are known for their strength and adherence to strict quality standards. They offer a complete range of faucet, toilet, and appliance connectors, ensuring a suitable product for nearly any standard plumbing job.

• Specializations: Oatey specializes in providing a complete ecosystem of plumbing products, from chemicals and cements to fixtures and connectors. Their braided stainless steel supply lines are designed to work smoothly within this system. They focus on the core residential and commercial construction and repair markets, providing dependable, code-compliant solutions that professionals rely on daily.

Metal Zenith - Premium Steel Manufacturing Solutions

• Company Overview: Metal Zenith is a leading Chinese steel manufacturer and distributor with over 20 years of experience providing high-quality steel solutions worldwide. As a trusted partner of the premier steel enterprise Ansteel, Metal Zenith delivers premium steel products that meet the most demanding international industry standards. Their expertise extends from raw material production to finished parts, making them a unique player in the supply chain.

• Strengths: Metal Zenith's core strength lies in its vertical integration and metallurgical expertise. By controlling the steel from its origin, they ensure superior material integrity for their braided lines. Their advanced 10-point quality inspection process guarantees a tensile strength exceeding 400 MPa. With over 15 years of engineering experience, their team provides complete technical support, from material selection to application analysis.

• Specializations: Metal Zenith excels in providing custom, high-performance solutions for industrial and OEM clients. They offer full customization on steel grades (HRB400, SS400), surface finishes, and precision tolerances. This makes them the ideal partner for manufacturers of appliances, machinery, or specialized equipment who require supply lines built to exact specs. Their ISO 9001 certified system and expertise in both BOF and EAF steelmaking technologies ensure they can meet the needs of diverse industries, including construction, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.

RectorSeal (Falcon)

• Company Overview: RectorSeal is a well-established manufacturer of a wide range of products for the professional trades, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Their acquisition of Falcon Stainless Steel, Inc. brought a highly specialized and innovative product line into their portfolio: corrugated stainless steel water and gas connectors.

• Strengths: The key difference for Falcon connectors is their corrugated 304 stainless steel tube construction. Unlike braided lines with a polymer core, these lines are all-metal, offering unmatched strength, flexibility, and resistance to kinking. This design allows them to be bent repeatedly without damage, making them ideal for challenging installations. RectorSeal backs this quality with some of the industry's best warranties, including a lifetime limited warranty on Falcon connectors.

• Specializations: Falcon connectors are specialized for high-demand and high-vibration applications. They are the superior choice for connecting pumps, water heaters, and other machinery where constant vibration could fatigue a standard braided hose. They also boast best-in-class flow rates compared to other connectors of the same outer diameter, making them a top choice for performance-critical systems.

Neoperl

• Company Overview: Based in Switzerland and Germany, Neoperl is a global technology leader in the plumbing industry. While consumers may not know the name, they likely interact with Neoperl products every day. The company is a leading OEM supplier of parts that shape water streams and regulate flow, including aerators, check valves, and, critically, flexible supply hoses.

• Strengths: Neoperl's strength is engineering and innovation. They don't just assemble hoses; they design integrated flow solutions. Their supply lines are engineered for optimal performance, incorporating features that improve flow, reduce noise, and conserve water. Their global manufacturing footprint and rigorous quality control make them a trusted partner for the world's leading faucet and appliance brands.

• Specializations: Neoperl specializes in OEM solutions for faucet and appliance manufacturers. Their expertise lies in creating custom-designed hoses that meet specific performance, dimensional, and regulatory requirements for different international markets. They are at the forefront of developing lead-free, hygienic, and long-lasting materials for inner liners, ensuring their products meet the strictest health and safety standards worldwide.

Eastman

• Company Overview: Eastman is a prominent manufacturer of plumbing supplies, with a strong presence in the North American market for over 40 years. Their "Steel-Flex" brand of braided stainless steel connectors is widely recognized and trusted by both professionals and DIYers. They are known for producing reliable, code-compliant products that are readily accessible.

• Strengths: Eastman's core strength is its breadth of product and market accessibility. They offer an extensive catalog of supply lines with a vast combination of lengths and connection types, including those for faucets, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers. Their products are carried by major home improvement retailers and plumbing distributors, making them an easy-to-source solution for projects of any size.

• Specializations: Eastman focuses on providing dependable, mainstream solutions for residential and light commercial plumbing. They specialize in manufacturing connectors that are easy to install and built to last under normal service conditions. Their commitment to quality is backed by numerous certifications, ensuring their products meet or exceed industry standards for safety and performance.

Witzenmann Group

• Company Overview: Headquartered in Germany, the Witzenmann Group is a global pioneer and technology leader in flexible metallic elements. With a history dating back to the invention of the metal hose in 1885, the company provides high-end engineering solutions for the world's most demanding industries, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial plant construction.

• Strengths: Witzenmann's unmatched strength is its deep engineering expertise in high-performance applications. Their flexible metal hoses are not just for plumbing; they are critical parts in engine exhaust systems, industrial pipelines, and aerospace applications. This level of engineering translates to products with extreme strength, temperature and pressure resistance, and absolute reliability.

• Specializations: Witzenmann specializes in custom-engineered solutions for critical industrial systems. While they serve the building services sector, their core focus is on applications where failure is not an option. This includes flexible lines for transporting aggressive media, decoupling vibration in large-scale machinery, and accommodating thermal expansion in pipelines. For industrial facility managers requiring a solution for a truly challenging application, Witzenmann offers unmatched technical capability.

Aeroflex Industries

• Company Overview: Aeroflex Industries is a leading Indian manufacturer and exporter of flexible hose assemblies. With a strong focus on stainless steel corrugated hoses and braided assemblies, they serve a wide array of industrial sectors across the globe. Their modern manufacturing facilities and commitment to international quality standards have made them a significant player in the Asian market and beyond.

• Strengths: Aeroflex's key strength is its manufacturing capacity and cost-effective production of a diverse range of flexible hose solutions. They produce everything from standard braided plumbing connectors to highly specialized industrial hose assemblies. Their products are certified under numerous international standards, demonstrating a commitment to quality that allows them to compete on a global scale.

• Specializations: The company specializes in serving a broad spectrum of industrial markets. This includes steel plants, oil and gas refineries, power generation facilities, and HVAC systems. Their ability to produce both standard and custom-configured hose assemblies makes them a versatile supplier for large industrial projects and MRO procurement in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

ProLine Series (B&K Products)

• Company Overview: ProLine Series is a flagship brand of B&K Products, a US-based company that has been supplying the plumbing wholesale market for decades. The ProLine brand is specifically targeted at plumbing professionals, emphasizing reliability and adherence to code. As seen in competitor research, their products are designed for secure, long-lasting installations.

• Strengths: ProLine's strength lies in its focus on the professional user. Their supply lines are built with features that plumbers appreciate, such as a reinforced PVC core coated with braided stainless steel to prevent kinking and crimping. They explicitly state their compliance with key standards like ASME A112.18.6 and NSF/ANSI 14, giving professionals the confidence that the product is code-compliant and safe for drinking water.

• Specializations: ProLine specializes in commercial and residential plumbing applications where reliability is paramount. They are not trying to be the cheapest option but rather the most dependable one for standard installations. Their focus on secure flow and protection in exposed locations makes them a go-to choice for contractors working on new construction and renovation projects.

PROCURU

• Company Overview: PROCURU is a modern brand that has established a strong presence in the e-commerce marketplace, particularly on platforms like Amazon. They cater to both professional contractors and savvy DIYers by offering quality plumbing parts in convenient, value-oriented packages.

• Strengths: PROCURU's strength is its distribution model and value proposition. By offering certified, reliable products in multi-packs (e.g., 2-packs, 10-packs), they appeal directly to buyers involved in large-scale residential projects, multi-family housing maintenance, or MRO purchasing. They simplify procurement by delivering a dependable, certified product directly to the job site or workshop at a competitive price point.

• Specializations: The brand specializes in high-volume, standard plumbing connections. Their product line focuses on the most common sizes and configurations for faucets and toilets. By concentrating on these core products and leveraging an efficient supply chain, PROCURU provides a straightforward and cost-effective solution for customers who need quality and quantity without the complexity of traditional distribution channels.

Tofle Co., Inc.

• Company Overview: Tofle is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in the design and production of flexible joints and hoses. With a reputation built on Japanese engineering principles, Tofle is synonymous with precision, quality, and high reliability. They serve a variety of industrial and high-tech sectors.

• Strengths: Tofle's primary strength is its commitment to precision manufacturing and quality control. Their products are engineered to exact tolerances, making them a preferred choice in industries where even minor deviations can have major consequences. Their deep expertise in material science and joint technology ensures a product that performs flawlessly over a long service life.

• Specializations: Tofle specializes in flexible solutions for demanding and high-purity applications. This includes the semiconductor manufacturing industry, medical facilities, and advanced industrial plants where cleanliness and absolute leak-free performance are critical. They provide highly engineered flexible joints and hoses designed to handle specific media, temperatures, and pressures, positioning them as a supplier for mission-critical infrastructure.

Conclusion: Making the Right Connection

Selecting the right braided stainless steel flexible supply lines is a critical decision that directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your plumbing systems. The process moves beyond a simple price comparison to a detailed evaluation of materials, technical specs, and supplier capabilities. A burst supply line is never just a minor leak; it's a significant operational risk that can be easily reduced with the right product choice.

To ensure a successful procurement, follow these actionable steps:
1. Define Your Application Needs: Before approaching any supplier, create a detailed list of your requirements. This must include the necessary connection types and sizes, precise length, minimum pressure and temperature ratings, and any required certifications (e.g., NSF 61 for drinking water).
2. Evaluate the Complete Assembly: Look beyond the shiny braid. Investigate the inner tube material (PVC, EPDM, or corrugated metal) and confirm it is suitable for your application's temperature and media. Ensure the end fittings are made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant brass.
3. Vet Your Supplier Partner: Align your choice of supplier with your project's scale and complexity. For large-scale industrial or OEM needs requiring custom specs and material verification, a manufacturing partner like Metal Zenith is ideal. For systems with extreme vibration, a specialist like RectorSeal's Falcon brand is the best choice. For standard, high-volume needs, trusted brands like Oatey or Eastman provide reliable, off-the-shelf solutions.

By investing the time to make an informed choice, you are not just buying a part. You are investing in operational continuity and peace of mind.